Scott Statement on Trump Administration Rollback of LGBTQ Protections

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the White House announced that it will repeal the Obama Administration’s Title IX guidance protecting the rights of transgender students.

“The impact of the Trump Administration’s repeal of the Title IX guidance leaves LGBTQ students in at least 31 states vulnerable to bullying and discrimination. A student’s right to equal education should not be impeded by an unsafe learning environment.

“Last May, the Obama Administration’s Department of Education issued guidance to clarify that transgender students are protected under Title IX. That law, passed in 1972, prohibits disparate treatment, disparate impact, and retaliation based on sex in education. The guidance was issued after states like North Carolina passed laws to restrict bathroom access of students and personnel in educational facilities whose gender identify differed from what was assigned at birth.

“The majority of the American people support laws prohibiting unlawful discrimination against LGBTQ Americans. It is time for Congress to pass a law that makes clear that one’s LGBTQ status should not be subject to discrimination at school or at work.”